Credit card fraud and identity theft are huge problems in the United Kingdom, and affect tens of thousands of people every year.

Credit Card fraud is the use of your card, or in some instances just your card number, to make unauthorised payments. Thieves usually get this information via stealing your card, finding a lost or disposed of card, copying your card or utilising discared personal documents.

Identity theft is when someone appropriates your name, address and personal details without your knowledge. Criminals would then use these details to take out large loans or card with substantial credit limits, or just to make payments or purchases in your name. This personal information is usually gained by going through your rubbish and locating bills, statements or documents that you have thrown away. What is especially worrying about this kind of fraud, is that in the long term it will often mean you’ll have a bad credit rating. If you have found yourself in this position, have a look at the quick guide on how to improve credit rating.

There are ways you can cut down your chances of falling victim to this kind of crime however. In the instance of identity theft, the best piece of advice would be to properly dispose of all personal documentation, shredding or burning these documents are the best ways to ensure they can’t be used for fraudulent purposes. Even if you get mail for pre-approved credit cards or applications for bad credit credit cards you should make sure these are shredded or burnt also, as criminals can still use this kind of information.

You should always be especially careful with your PIN number too. Never keep them written down in your wallet or purse, and similarly don’t store them in your mobile phone. Say for example you lost your bag or it was stolen, a criminal would have all needed information for them to clear out your bank account. Do your best to simply remember your pin number, and don’t keep it written down anywhere. If the pin your bank has sent you is difficult for you to remember, then it’s very easy to change. You should also ensure you keep the keypad covered whenever entering your pin at a cash machine, as well as keeping your eye out for any suspicious devices, particularly near the card reader section.

If you’re shopping on the high street or over the phone, you should make sure to keep your receipts and check them against your monthly statements. Doing this will mean you have a good idea of what you’ve spend and what should be debited from your account. If you know how much should be coming out, you’ll be far better placed to spot any fraudulent transactions. If you’re making a live purchase via the telephone, you can ask for the exact amount that will be debited from your account, again giving you a firmer idea of how much should be coming out of your bank. Lastly, you should ensure you don’t give out your credit card details to anybody unless you’re completely certain of the companies authenticiy and legitimacy. Don’t ever be pressured into giving your card details, if you don’t feel comfortable, you can always make payment via an alternative method.